Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned seafarer, stomach cramps and nausea are never ideal. If you tend to suffer from motion sickness, then feeling queasy during a cruise can sometimes be a worry.
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HOW TO STOP SEASICKNESS
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LOOK UP AND OUT
LOOK UP AND OUT
Instead of trying to distract yourself in the hope that the feeling goes away, head up on to deck and look out at the horizon. This is a great technique as it allows you to ‘reset’ your brain, and should help combat that queasy, rocking sensation.
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GRAB A CAN OF COKE
GRAB A CAN OF COKE
Yes, that’s right. Coke contains phosphoric acid and sugars, which are the same ingredients you’ll find in Emetrol, an over-the-counter anti-nausea medicine. And since Coca-Cola was first introduced as a medicine, it makes sense that it helps combat that queasy feeling.
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APPLY SOME PRESSURE
APPLY SOME PRESSURE
For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has included things like acupuncture as a way to suppress the nausea associated with motion sickness. Make a trip to your local drug store to purchase pressure bands such as Sea-Band or Acuband to help prevent seasickness from occurring.
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CLOSE YOUR EYES
CLOSE YOUR EYES
Of course, you’re not going to spend the entire time on your cruise with your eyes closed, but when you are starting to feel seasick, it’s worth finding a place to shut your eyes and have a quiet lie down so that you are able to relax. That way your eyes aren’t giving a no-motion message to your brain.
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT CABIN
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CABIN
If you do suffer with seasickness, then our Cruise Consultants recommend booking a cabin which is low down in mid deck. Rooms situated in this area are where you’ll experience the least sensation of movement when the ship is in motion.
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DON’T TRY TO READ
DON’T TRY TO READ
You may think finding things to do to distract yourself from your seasickness is the way forward, but in fact this can only add to it. Now is not the time to get stuck into that book you brought, as it could make you feel disorientated and unable to concentrate. Save reading for a time when you feel 100%, so as to not worsen your symptoms.
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EAT SOMETHING
EAT SOMETHING
Another one of our Cruise Consultants’ top tips for seasickness is to eat something. Green apples, ginger beer and crackers are some of the best foods for settling your stomach. In fact, you may be able to tell if you’re heading for choppy waters if you start to see these items popping up around the ship for you to take.
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TAKE SEASICKNESS MEDICATION
TAKE SEASICKNESS MEDICATION
One of the most popular forms of fighting seasickness is by taking a seasickness pills. They’re simple and effective, but these pills can also cause drowsiness and light-headedness, so be sure to see your GP before making any decisions.
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USE A SCOPOLAMINE PATCH
USE A SCOPOLAMINE PATCH
Scopolamine is a drug that reduces the activity of nerve fibres in your inner ear; it’s one of the most successful commercial seasickness solutions around. Placed discreetly behind your ear, it works by blocking the effects of a natural substance called acetylcholine. Basically, that’s another way of saying it stops you from feeling the effects of nausea and vomiting brought on by motion sickness.
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GET SOME FRESH AIR
GET SOME FRESH AIR
It’s a good idea to open a window or move to the top deck of a ship to avoid getting too hot. This will allow you to get some fresh air, which could help to reduce your chances of sickness.
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STAY CALM
STAY CALM
Often people find themselves worrying about becoming seasick, which only fuels the discomfort. It might be easier said than done when you have nowhere else to go, but try to remain relaxed throughout your holiday to help reduce the effects of seasickness.